Didier Deschamps Affirms Kylian Mbappe's Freedom Following Nightclub Controversy

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France's manager, Didier Deschamps, has dismissed rumours of tension with Kylian Mbappe, suggesting the player should have the freedom to make his own choices. This statement followed Mbappe's appearance at a nightclub in Sweden on Thursday. On the same night, France secured a 4-1 victory over Israel. Deschamps had excluded Mbappe from the squad to allow him time to recover from a recent injury.

Mbappe had sustained a muscle injury while playing for Real Madrid last month. Deschamps decided to give him the international break to recuperate. However, Deschamps stated he was neither concerned nor informed about Mbappe's outing. "I don't follow the news of players who are not here," he mentioned. "Kylian is following a programme with Real Madrid. I don't know if he was away or not."

The speculation arose from claims that Mbappe requested to participate only in 'important' international matches, focusing on winning the Ballon d'Or. Despite returning from injury and playing for Real Madrid against Lille in the Champions League and starting against Villarreal in LaLiga, his exclusion raised eyebrows.

Deschamps provided clarity on why their star player was absent, noting that Mbappe is just nine goals shy of Olivier Giroud's record as France's top scorer with 57 goals. "Like any player for his club, he follows a programme. If players have days off, they are free to do what they want," Deschamps explained.

France is set to face Belgium on Monday without Mbappe in their lineup. They previously defeated Belgium 2-0 at home last month. In that match, Mbappe played for only 23 minutes but managed four shots and five touches in the box, ranking high among his teammates.

Despite missing their captain in recent games, Deschamps' team remains unbeaten in their last five matches without him starting. They currently trail group leaders Italy by one point at this stage of the competition.